Joakim Noah injury: Bulls’ star to play Friday

Despite his elevated level of play, most of the talk surrounding Chicago Bulls’ big man Joakim Noah has centered around his supposed recruitment New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony to the Bulls in the offseason.

Not only has Noah’s fantastic play been overshadowed, but his injured thumb has flown under the radar as well.

Noah sprained his thumb in Wednesday’s 105-94 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls were nervous the injury could be more severe than it looked, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Bulls’ coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t seem all that concerned and says Noah will play Friday night when the Bulls host the Memphis Grizzlies.

“From a medical standpoint, the ligament is fine,” Thibodeau said.

Noah isn’t worried either.

“I feel great,” Noah told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “It’s cool. I got an MRI. I’m good. It’s the same thumb (as 2010), but that’s about it. I’m fine. We don’t have to cut into it. No surgery. Everything is good. I feel good. I’m all right.”

Noah is averaging 12.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists per game.